Many homeowners do not realize how much dust, chemicals, harmful airborne microorganisms, and other pollutants enter their home from the outside, and remain circulating through the home, potentially affecting the people inside. Now more than ever, homeowners are concerned about improving the air quality in their homes to protect themselves and their families from harmful exposure.
While it’s probably not feasible to remove all the allergens, dust, pollutants, and harmful airborne microorganisms from your home, you can significantly reduce the number — and your exposure to them — by making some changes. Here are some strategies that can help you increase your protection against air pollutants and harmful airborne microorganisms through dilution, exhaust, and cleaning of your home’s air.
Change your AC filter regularly
An old filter is not only the cause for poor air quality in your home, but it also wears down your AC system, which can eventually lead to costly repairs. Replace your AC filter regularly and consider upgrading to a higher efficiency filter or the highest-rated filter that your system can accommodate for better results.1 Also consider having your ducts professionally cleaned to remove trapped dust.
Improve the ventilation and the circulation of fresh air in your home
Proper ventilation and the introduction of outdoor fresh air is one important factor in promoting good air quality. Air may enter your home in several different ways, including:1
- natural ventilation, through windows and doors
- mechanical ventilation, through outdoor air intakes associated with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home
Exercise these actions when the outdoor air pollution is low or as the weather permits.
Run your exhaust fans regularly
When cooking, cleaning, and showering use the local bathroom or kitchen fans that exhaust outdoors to remove contaminants, moisture, and dust particles directly from the room where the fan is located and also increase the outdoor air ventilation rate.
Upgrade your HVAC system
When you upgrade to a new HVAC system, you could immediately notice a meaningful difference. Not only should the system provide a constant air flow to set the temperature in your home to a comfortable level, but the better filtration system will likely supply cleaner air too.
Additionally, upgrading your HVAC system could significantly reduce your energy bill, as newer systems have a higher energy-efficiency rating than older models, and let’s not forget to mention the positive impact that it will have on the environment.1
If you have an HVAC system, consider installing an Energy Recovery Ventilator (“ERV”)
An ERV is a system designed to be connected to the ducts that are part of your HVAC system. By way of two fans, ERVs draw clean, fresh air into your home and remove stale air. Along with this transfer of air streams, ERV ventilation systems capture contaminants, pollutants, allergens, pollen, and more, helping to ensure that the air that enters and stays in your home is clean and healthy.2
Air sealing and insulation
Last but not least, create a barrier through the walls and attics to drastically reduce the potential for outside pollutants and other harmful microorganisms from entering your home.1 This along with the items listed above will greatly improve the indoor air quality of your home, providing a safer home for you and your family.
Utilize PACE financing to clean your home’s air.
Through PACE, you can obtain affordable financing to upgrade your HVAC, install an ERV, properly air seal and insulate your home, or all! Compared to other home improvement financing options, PACE offers:
- 100% project financing up to $250,000
- Zero upfront expenses
- Competitive and fixed, low-interest rates
- Plus, a minimum credit score is not required to qualify
